#LookAtMe

This film is far more important than a piece of entertainment.

Set in and coming out of Singapore, a place where as of the time of this review, the LGBTQIA+ community still does not enjoy anywhere close to the same amount of rights as "straight/cis" people, this film joins the ranks of pieces of art that is brave enough to do the important work of amplifying stories and issues that DO exist in clean & green Singapore, but are always shoved under the rug.

The film is thoroughly engaging from start to end, and as a great and important note, lots of the cast members are part of SG's LGBTQIA+ community of members and allies and thus an integral part of this piece of work.

My only criticism is that, for a film marketed towards that community, it still places the "straight/cis" character front and center as the hero of the story.

That being said, I am grateful to every person involved for being some of the many daring artists willing to put their careers and names on the line to produce content like this that is still largely unwelcome in Singapore and has a very real potential to affect their working options in some way.

I hope one day we will all look back on this and other similar works of art as signs of an outdated era, rather than a continuing situation in Singapore.

Apart from the LGBT theme, #lookatme reveals the danger and power of words in the internet age whereby words can as much elevate a person as it can destroy one. An impulsive vlog by the protagonist Sean has caused the whole family to suffer in extreme ways. Loosely based on events that happened in Singapore, Ken Kwek's #lookatme dealing with themes of LGBT, religion, effects of social media - is really not just about Singapore as these issues can happen anywhere in the world. Teetering between facts and fiction, #lookstme that is heartwarming, funny, and thought-provoking; it's a movie worth watching for Singaporeans and global audience alike!

Recently saw this film and felt very much like Ken Kwek had taken me on an emotional roller coaster. The film, aside from being incredibly well shot and written, covers a broad range of issues ripped from the news in Singapore-but which have implications for communities around the world: the (very real) hypocrisy of evangelical leaders, the fear of speaking out in countries that punish free speech, and the ways in which families will sacrifice everything they have for one another.

The cast is superb. Yao is an actor to watch for sure. He carries almost every scene in the film as twins caught in the gears of the world around them, and through them we're allowed to see how destructive the world we've created can be for people who just want to live their authentic lives. He really is a truly talented young actor. Pam Oei, a Singaporean actress often associated with her comedic chops, also shines here as a mom who not only unconditionally supports her children but will do anything for them. Her performance is heartbreakingly sincere.

The film ends perfectly, which is such a hard landing to stick in any movie-perhaps more so when a final emotional catharsis is needed. Kwek nails it.

Ken Kwek's "#lookatme" is a captivating film that delivers a biting commentary on the dangerous implications of our society's obsession with social media. The movie also bravely tackles sensitive topics such as religion and homophobia, offering a fresh and bold perspective on LGBTQ issues in Singapore.

One of the standout features of the film is Kwek's expert direction of the actors. Pamela Oei delivers an exceptional performance as Mom (Nancy Marzuki), portraying her character's sensitivity and thoughtfulness with depth and nuance. Additionally, Yao's portrayal of the Marzuki brothers is outstanding, particularly Sean M's transition from initial mischief to madness when he's imprisoned.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to see "#lookatme" is for Pamela Oei's masterful acting. She brings a level of authenticity and vulnerability to the role that is both powerful and memorable, making her performance alone worth the price of admission.

Overall, "#lookatme" is a must-watch film that challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths about our society.

Although the film is impressive overall, there are some areas where it could have been more nuanced. For instance, certain scenes, such as those set in the prison, felt somewhat prolonged and could have been trimmed down for better pacing. Additionally, some of the characters, particularly the antagonists, came across as somewhat one-dimensional caricatures, lacking the nuance that would have made them more compelling.

However, despite these shortcomings, the film is a powerful and moving work that offers a sense of solidarity to LGBTQ allies.

Looking to the future, one can only hope that more films will continue to explore these complex themes and foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding among all members of society.

If you need to get on an emotional rollercoaster for the kicks, there's no better way than to watch this film. Ken Kwek manages to rile you up first with righteous indignation, then lull you into complacency with impeccably timed comic spells, then shock you into gritting your teeth and gripping your seat.

#LookAtMe is storytelling mastery par excellence. Don't let the fact that it's been banned in its country of origin distract you from thoroughly enjoying this film. That meta fact acts as a teaser for some of the weirder things depicted in the film, which, if you live in Singapore with your eyes and ears open, you'd know to be fairly accurate.

Catch it or regret it!